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Dry and sunny evening with temps around 7 degrees C and no wind to speak off so I set out for a ride into Meerdael Forest. The trails were marginally drier than last friday but I didn't mind that much since I had set my mind on doing some climbing in the Nethen area. Nice steep uphills followed by zooming downhills. Until darkness fell and the edges of the forest contrasted against the red dusk. Obviously I had my helmet light with me so that didn't slow me down but it did make me more cautious . Riding with light gives a two-dimensional view, you cannot judge the depth of pools and ruts. This makes for some surprising moves of your front wheel which keeps you very concentrated. Light is dry and black is wet, that is another rule you learn very quickly. The dry spots tend to be lighter in color than the wet trails and obviously the black holes that jump into your lightcone are puddles of mud and water. I enjoy these ride immensely; the darkness and the sounds of the awakening nightlife in the forest have a special charm for me. I saw two roe-deer jumping ahead of me, their white tails flickering in and out of my view as they made haste for the deeper forest. The weirdest sounds are made by owls, these are very spooky at times since they hover above you and make their typical sound as they pass you by. Had a good hour-and-a-half of riding when I decided to call it a day and ride in.
Ride Stats : 24.5K and 380 heightmeters in 1h35
112/1345
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